Third Service Facility For Maintenance, Avio NG Upgrades
Eclipse Aviation announced the opening Wednesday of its third
Eclipse Service Center, during a ceremony at the Albany
International Airport. The 42,800 square-foot facility includes
eight maintenance bays in 30,000 square feet of hangar space, and
also houses storage, tooling, and customer service areas.
"Eclipse is driven to provide exceptional service to our
rapidly-growing base of customers. Launching another new service
center in our service network demonstrates our vision for our
customer experience," said Peg Billson, Eclipse Aviation’s
chief operating officer. "It’s wonderful to experience the
tremendous enthusiasm for the Eclipse 500 in the Northeast, and it
is an honor to be a part of New York’s efforts to enhance its
aviation infrastructure."
Nearly 25 employees, including 14 maintenance technicians
currently work at the Albany Eclipse Service Center. Eclipse plans
to increase employment to 50 by the end of the year. At this
facility, technicians will perform all maintenance on the Eclipse
500 and its systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Canada
PW610F engines.
Perhaps of greatest importance to current Eclipse 500 pilots,
Avio NG modifications will also be installed at the Eclipse Service
Center. Technicians are trained in Colonie, NY, or at other Eclipse
Service Centers in Albuquerque, NM and Gainesville, FL.
Construction on the $8 million facility began in October 2005. New
York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno secured a $1.5
million grant for the Eclipse Service Center, which is owned by the
Albany County Airport Authority and leased to Eclipse. A grant of
$100,000 came from the Empire State Development Corporation, with
the Albany County Airport Authority financing the remaining
amount.
"The opening of this facility is a win-win for Eclipse Aviation
and the Albany International Airport," Senator Bruno said. "The
center is already creating high-quality technical jobs, and we know
it will make the airport as well as the Capital Region an important
destination for the people who own and operate the Eclipse
500."
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO) in Albuquerque monitors the center and is
responsible for continued site supervision. Following an onsite
audit this month, the Albany Eclipse Service Center received
operational approval and certification from the FAA on February 25,
2008.